Mining

engineering

Laboratory III
Electro-winning

NAME: Alfonso Barraza, Yesenia Burga, Antonio Gamboa, Cristian Nunez, Fernando
Millaquipay
CAREER: Mining Engineering
SUBJECT: Extractive Metallurgy II
TEACHER: Aldo Ahumada
DATE: 10/12/2018
Summary
This report is focused on one of the final processes for obtaining copper called
electrowinning, in which copper concentrations in solution are subjected to certain
parameters that are necessary to carry out this process, such as voltage supply,
intensity, and PH.
It consists of a small-scale laboratory development that has most of the processes
needed to carry out a perfect electrowinning and that simulates the realization of the
large-scale electrowinning stage that a mining company may have today.
The main objective of the report is to obtain on a small scale what is the deposition of Cu
in the solid state and to obtain a sheet in a pure state of this element that would simulate
the obtaining of copper cathodes on a large scale.
This process was carried out 2 times, with different concentrations of spent flux and the
same concentrations of Advance, resulting in different masses of copper obtained, one
with 20.59 gr and the next with 12.35 gr.

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 Table of Contents
1 Introduction............................................................................................................................................4
2 Objectives of the experience..................................................................................................................5
2.1 General Objective...........................................................................................................................6
2.2 Specific objectives..........................................................................................................................6
3 Theoretical framework..........................................................................................................................6
3.1 Electro.procurement......................................................................................................................6
3.2 Main problems in electroprocessing............................................................................................12
3.2.1 Corrosion..............................................................................................................................12
3.2.2 Alignment.............................................................................................................................12
3.2.3 Short circuits........................................................................................................................12
3.2.4 Cell overflow........................................................................................................................13
3.3 Equipment associated with the electrolytic cell process..............................................................13
3.4 Description of the harvesting process..........................................................................................14
3.5 Harvesting associated equipment................................................................................................14
4 Materials.............................................................................................................................................19
4.1 Latex gloves..................................................................................................................................19
4.2 Laboratory apron.........................................................................................................................20
4.3 Safety shoes.................................................................................................................................20
4.4 Stopwatch....................................................................................................................................21
4.5 Electro-winning cell (small scale).................................................................................................21
4.6 Power generating source (PEF)....................................................................................................21
4.7 Cathode........................................................................................................................................22
4.8 Anode...........................................................................................................................................22
4.9 Sandpaper....................................................................................................................................23
4.10 Insulating shoe.............................................................................................................................23
4.11 Copper-rich solution.....................................................................................................................23
4.12 Higher precision rule....................................................................................................................23
5 Experimental procedure......................................................................................................................24
6 Results.................................................................................................................................................25
7 Discussion............................................................................................................................................26
8 Conclusion...........................................................................................................................................28
8.1 Conclusion specific objectives......................................................................................................28
9 Annexes...............................................................................................................................................29
9.1 Glossary........................................................................................................................................29
9.2 Development of the experience...................................................................................................29
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 9.3 Reactions in the electrowinning process......................................................................................30
10 Bibliography.....................................................................................................................................31

Illustration 1Treatment of oxidized minerals.......................................................................7

Illustration 2 Leaching process...........................................................................................8
Illustration 3 Electrowinning cell.........................................................................................9
Illustration 4 Oxidizer and reducer....................................................................................10
Illustration 5 Reduction reaction.......................................................................................10
Illustration 6 Oxidation reaction........................................................................................11
Illustration 7 Red-ox process at the atom level................................................................11
Illustration 8 Electroprocessing Plant...............................................................................13
Illustration 9 Electrowinning cell.......................................................................................13
Illustration 10 Bridge crane.............................................................................................. 14
Illustration 11 Cathodes................................................................................................... 15
Illustration 12 Anodes.......................................................................................................15
Illustration 13 Strongback.................................................................................................15
Illustration 14 Cathode reception......................................................................................16
Illustration 15 Cathode washing.......................................................................................16
Illustration 16 Cross conveyor..........................................................................................17
Illustration 17 De-coring of cathodes................................................................................17
Illustration 18 Copper plate conveyor...............................................................................17
Illustration 19 Corrugated copper sheets.........................................................................18
Illustration 20 Stacking of copper plates...........................................................................18
Illustration 21 Weighing, labeling and strapping of copper plates....................................18
Illustration 22 Rejection station........................................................................................19
Illustration 23 Latex gloves...............................................................................................19
Illustration 24 Laboratory apron........................................................................................20
Illustration 25 Safety shoes..............................................................................................20
Illustration 26 Chronometer..............................................................................................21
Illustration 27 Electrowinning cell.....................................................................................21
Illustration 28 FEM........................................................................................................... 22
Illustration 29 Cathode..................................................................................................... 22
Illustration 30 Anode........................................................................................................ 22
Illustration 31 Lija............................................................................................................. 23
Illustration 32 Isolating shoe.............................................................................................23
Illustration 33 Rule........................................................................................................... 23

4
1 Introduction

In Chile, the mainstay of the economy is mining, which consists of the export of
commodities classified as metals, a major percentage of Chile's exports are derived from
copper, according to the Chilean Copper Commission, on the basis of information
provided by companies, it is estimated that 29.7% of national copper exports are copper
cathodes.According to the Chilean Copper Commission, based on information provided
by the companies, it is estimated that 29.7% of national copper exports are copper
cathodes, which, in order to be obtained, must go through a series of mining-
metallurgical processes that allow obtaining copper in a solid and pure state, which
allows it to be used in different areas of work such as health, electronics, technology and
others.
These copper cathodes are solid figures that are deposited on a surface in the form of a
sheet and have a purity of 99.99% Cu, approximately the weight of these sheets is 75
kilograms and its measures are between 1x1 meters. The process of obtaining this film
consists of 7 days subjected to different parameters of voltage, intensity and PH that
change as time progresses. These laminates are obtained with the final process of
processing oxidized ores, called electrowinning.
Before entering the metallurgical process to be studied, the ore goes through a series of
processes that allow conditioning the ore so that this activity can be carried out
effectively, but it is limited to a certain type of ore, this process is only performed with
oxide and low grade sulfide ores, so you have to have well defined the type of ore you
are working with in a mining project.
The present report consists of the realization of an electro-winning process at laboratory
scale, in which a conditioned solution of copper is used to pass to this last process,
having this solution is entered to a small scale electrolytic cell containing anodes and
cathodes, which is supplied with current and voltage values that were calculated in the
experience.This solution is fed into a small-scale electrolytic cell containing anodes and
cathodes, which is supplied with current and voltage values that were calculated in the
experiment. This laboratory was carried out with a resting period of 3 hours, due to the
time available, since normally the period to obtain copper cathodes is 7 days.

5
2 Objectives of the experience

2.1 General Objective

To obtain copper in a solid and pure state, through the electro-winning stage of oxidized
minerals, with the electrolysis process, achieving that this element is deposited and forms
a copper foil.
2.2 Specific objectives
 To study the process of electro-winning on a small scale and to put into practice
the material seen in the course.
 Calculate the voltage and current intensity according to the area of copper to be
deposited on the cathode.
 Analyze the supply voltage and current intensity that is supplied to the electrolytic
cell.
 Determine the theoretical copper mass of the electrowinning process in the
experiment.
 Determine the percentage of current efficiency through the actual copper mass
and with the theoretical copper mass from the experiment.

6
3 Theoretical framework
3.1 Electro.procurement
The copper electrowinning process is the final stage of the "oxidized and mixed copper
ores" beneficiation process. Copper is deposited from purified solutions by direct
electrolysis. The objective of the process is to produce high purity copper cathodes. To
achieve this objective, the solution from the leaching stage is purified and concentrated in
copper in the solvent extraction plant, and then taken to a series of electrowinning cells
where copper cathodes with a purity of 99.99% are produced.
The EO technique is mainly used in the treatment of oxidized copper ores. This type of
ore can be concentrated via flotation with the appropriate reagents, but the complete
process of leaching, solvent extraction (SX) and EO is more economical. Therefore, it is
currently the standard process for copper recovery from oxidized ores. It is also used in
the treatment of secondary and low grade sulfides, although in comparison, the
production of these ores by hydrometallurgy is much lower than that of oxides.

Illustration 1Treatment of oxidized minerals.

The OE corresponds to the last of the three stages of copper ore treatment, either
sulfide or oxide, the first of which is leaching of the ore. Leaching is a hydro metallurgical
process that, based on the fact that oxidized minerals release their metallic species
under acid attack, allows copper to be separated from the rest of the mineral species.
Prior to leaching, the ore is crushed to obtain a maximum grain size of ½". This size
allows the oxidized minerals to be exposed to the attack of the acid solution. The crushed
material is transported to a wide and flat area, where it will be piled up and form a 6 to 8
m high embankment called leaching heap. During this process, the material is subjected
to a first irrigation with a water and sulfuric acid solution, known as the curing process, in
order to start the leaching process on the way.
A drip irrigation system and sprinklers are installed on the pile covering the entire
exposed area, and it is through this irrigation system that the water and sulfuric acid
solution is poured onto the surface of the pile. Irrigation of the heaps is maintained for a
period of 45 to 100 days, depending on the time required to deplete the leachable copper
almost completely.

7
 Illustration 2 Leaching process.
The PLS then undergoes a process called solvent extraction. The objective of this stage
is to free the PLS of impurities by ionic extraction, thus increasing the copper
concentration from 9 g/l to 45 g/l.
To extract copper from PLS, it is mixed with a solution of kerosene and organic resin,
usually called organic. The resin in this solution selectively captures the Cu2+ ions,
generating a resin-copper complex on the one hand and a copper-depleted solution on
the other, called refining. Copper ore from mine Crushing (1st, 2nd and 3rd)
Agglomeration and curing Heap leaching Solvent extraction Electro-winning Copper
cathodes (99. 99% purity) 3 The resin-copper composite is treated independently with an
acid-rich electrolytic solution, causing the copper to discharge from the resin to the
electrolyte, raising the concentration of copper in the electrolyte.99% purity) 3 The resin-
copper composite is treated independently with an acid-rich electrolytic solution, which
causes the copper to discharge from the resin to the electrolyte, raising the copper
concentration in this solution to values close to 45 g/l. This solution can go through
several washing and filtering stages, so that it reaches the EO stage with as few
impurities as possible (organic carryover, dust, etc.).
The rich conditioned electrolyte with a copper concentration of not less than 38 g/L and a
temperature of approximately 48ºC is pumped by five pumps at 420 m3 /h to the
electrolytic cells arranged in 4 zones, East end with 98 cells, East central with 98 cells,
West central with 118 cells and West end with 106 cells.Each cell contains 62 cathode
plates and 63 anodes. After 6 or 7 days, the cathodes are harvested with 99.99%
purity.99% purity, using a current density of 242 A/m2. They are then separated from the
mother sheet by means of two cathode stripping machines to obtain copper sheets of 40
kilograms, which are corrugated and packaged for commercialization. The electrolyte that
overflows the cells returns to the recirculation tank as lean electrolyte.
The EO process is carried out in rectangular polymer concrete tanks called cells, inside
which metal plates are immersed in an acid solution. These plates correspond,
alternately, to cathode and anode. Today, the vast majority of operations use stainless
8
steel permanent cathodes, to the detriment of the copper starting sheets used until a few
years ago. All the plates are connected in such a way as to form a circuit through which a
continuous electric current flows from anode to cathode. Copper in solution, in the form of
Cu2+ ion, is attracted by the negative pole represented by the cathodes, migrates
towards them and is deposited on their surface as Cu0. Six to seven days after the
permanent cathodes without copper deposit have been fed into the cell, cathode
harvesting is performed. These are washed with hot water to remove possible impurities
from their surface and then taken to the peeling machine, where the deposit sheets are
automatically separated from both sides. With this, the cathode is ready to be used in a
new copper deposition cycle.

Illustration 3 Electrowinning cell

Finally, the copper sheets freshly detached from the cathodes are stacked and packed
for subsequent transport and marketing.
The operating conditions in an electrowinning plant using permanent cathode technology
are generally as follows:
 Current density: 160-300 A/m2
 Electrolyte flow to cell: 100-150 l/min
 Cathode-cathode distance: 90-110 mm.
 Deposit cycle: 6-7 days
 Temperature: 40-48ºC
 Anodes Pb-Ca-Sn laminated: 6mm
 Permanent cathodes: 316L stainless steel, 3-3.3 mm
In order to perform electrolysis, it is necessary to apply a potential difference greater than
the minimum electrolysis potential difference between the electrodes. To perform
electrolysis, it is necessary to apply a potential difference greater than the minimum
electrolysis potential difference between the electrodes.
Oxidation and reduction reaction

9
At the cathode, the ionic copper (Cu+2 ) is reduced to metallic copper (Cu 0) by the
electrons supplied by the current, which turns the electrode into a negative polarity. In the
positive electrode or anode, water decomposes, generating oxygen gas that bubbles on
the surface of the anode and sulfuric acid as a result of an oxidation reaction. The ability
of certain compounds to accept and donate electrons enables them to participate in so-
called oxidation-reduction reactions.
Reduction-oxidation reactions (also known as re-dox reactions) are electron transfer
reactions. This transfer occurs between a set of chemical species, one oxidizing and one
reducing (a reduced form and an oxidized form respectively).
The reducer
A chemical species that tends to give up electrons from its chemical structure to the
medium, leaving it with a higher positive charge than it had before.
The oxidizer
It is the species that tends to capture these electrons, remaining with less positive charge
than it had.

Illustration 4 Oxidizer and reducer

When a reducing chemical species gives up electrons to the medium it becomes an
oxidized species. When a species captures electrons from the medium it becomes a
reduced species and forms a re-dox pair with its reduced precursor.

Illustration 5 Reduction reaction

10
 Illustration 6 Oxidation reaction

Reduction reaction
There are substances that can accept electrons; they are oxidized substances that under
the right conditions can be reduced, and thus transformed into reduced forms.
Oxidation reaction
There are substances that can donate electrons; they are reduced substances that under
the right conditions can be oxidized, and thus transformed into oxidized forms.

Illustration 7 Red-ox process at the atom level.

11
3.2 Main problems in electroprocessing
3.2.1 Corrosion
For chlorides
When the chloride level in the electrolyte is high, an accumulation of chloride gas can
occur above the solution line.
Anodic
If the cathode plate were to be placed in a cell as an anode, the anodic dissolution
corrosion that would occur would be extremely severe.
By contacts
If proper cleaning is not performed and incorrect operating procedures are used, the
copper plating on the hanger rod will corrode.
The procedures for extending the life of the contact bar are as follows:
• Constant and effective washing of contacts and suspension rods.
• Reduction of short circuits.
• Effective removal of acid mist.
Avoid if possible:
• Anodes or bent cathodes.
• Low electrolyte temperature.
• High densities.
• Interruption of electrolysis.
• High levels of sulfuric acid in the electrolyte.
Electrolyte level in the cell
Electrolyte that is operating at low temperature (less than 35ºC) can lead to the formation
of crystallized copper sulfate, especially at the top of the electrolyte level.
3.2.2 Alignment
Effects of electrode spacing
If the distance is greater than the specified electrode spacing values, a thin, zero or
biscuit-like layer is formed, which does not peel off when the plate is processed.
If the distance is smaller, an agreed or nodular growth layer is formed in the area of high
current density. A smooth cathodic copper is preferred.
Parallelism
An essential factor to achieve effective current distribution and reduce the formation of
short circuits is that the cathode is well aligned between two anodes.
3.2.3 Short circuits
Short circuit is the physical condition that causes current to flow between electrodes
without taking part in the electrolytic reaction.

12
Growth short circuits are caused by the inclusion of a conductive particle in the cathodic
deposit. The particle attracts more charge and thus grows faster than the surrounding
cathodic deposit.
3.2.4 Cell overflow
The overflow is performed to clean the cell and to evacuate the lead sludge that
accumulates at the bottom.
3.3 Equipment associated with the electrolytic cell process
The equipment associated with the process are:
• Electroprocessing Plant.
• Electrowinning cell.
• Electrolyte distributor frame.
• Short frame circuit breaker.

Illustration 8 Electroprocessing Plant.

Illustration 9 Electrowinning cell.

Electrolyte distributor frame.

13
The distribution frame placed at the base of each cell is a rectangular shaped pipe, with a
uniform distribution of the electrolyte over the faces of the cathodes suspended in the
cell.
Short frame circuit breaker.
To perform the cleaning of the cells it is necessary to make a bridge in the passage of
electric current over the cells to be cleaned, for this purpose a short-circuiting frame is
used.
3.4 Description of the harvesting process
Cathode harvesting in the electrowinning cell house is performed after approximately 7
days of deposition. A bridge crane and a Strongback (hook train), which is designed to
collect cathodes, are used for harvesting. While the cathodes are being extracted,
electrical power continues to be supplied to each cell; the current density is 50% higher
during this period, so it is important to minimize the time during which this high density
occurs to avoid a rough, contaminated and brittle deposit. The copper deposited on the
cathodes is removed from the cells and transported to a cathode stripping machine to
separate the copper on the mother plate. The peeled cathodic copper sheets are
weighed, strapped and transported to the market. One operator operates the bridge
crane, which has a Strongback cathode hooked to it, extracts approximately one third of
the cathodes deposited in each cell, another operator hoses down the plastic sheets
covering the cells and the harvested cathodes, then the cathodes are transported to the
cathode stripping machine.
3.5 Harvesting associated equipment
The equipment associated with the process are:
• Overhead crane.
• Pendant control and radio control of the bridge crane.
• Cathodes.
• Anodes.
• Strongback of cathodes and anodes.

Illustration 10 Bridge crane.

Pendant control and radio control of the bridge crane
The bridge crane is controlled by a pendant control and also by a radio control. The
pendant control is used to operate the bridge crane at a shorter distance from the

14
operator. A radio control is used to operate the bridge crane and the Strongback cathode
through a remote control system.

Illustration 11 Cathodes

Illustration 12 Anodes

Illustration 13 Strongback.
Description of the cathode stripping process
The cathode stripping machine is a system whose objectives are:

15
 • Receive and wash the harvested cathodes, peel the copper plate from the mother
plate, corrugate and stack them to be weighed, labeled and strapped for
distribution.
• Prepare the mother plates for their return to the electrowinning cell.
Cathode stripping machine stages
The cathode stripping machine has a series of automated stages through which the
cathodes (harvested motherboards) pass, to be stripped, these stages are:

Illustration 14 Cathode reception.

Illustration 15 Cathode washing.

16
 Illustration 16 Cross conveyor.

Illustration 17 De-coring of cathodes.

Illustration 18 Copper plate conveyor.

17
 Illustration 19 Corrugated copper sheets.

Illustration 20 Stacking of copper plates.

Illustration 21 Weighing, labeling and strapping of copper plates.

Dispatch of copper plate package
Once the copper plate package is weighed, labeled, and strapped, it is transported by
forklift to the package loading area to be marketed.
18
Unloading chain
At this stage, the motherboard unloading chain receives from the unloading transfer
device the motherboards already peeled off and prepares them to be transported back to
the electrowinning cells by the bridge crane. Damaged mother plates are stored in the
reject station.

Illustration 22 Rejection station.

4 Materials
4.1 Latex gloves
Its main purpose is to prevent contact with hazardous substances and to protect the
working extremities.

Illustration 23 Latex gloves.

19
4.2 Laboratory apron

Protects the integrity of the personnel, avoiding falls or chemical spills.

Illustration 24 Laboratory apron.

4.3 Safety shoes

Its main function is to protect the integrity of the personnel, i.e., fall of elements that
damage the physical integrity of the person.

Illustration 25 Safety shoes.

20
4.4 Stopwatch
Its main objective is to measure the time, so that the procedure is accurate.

Illustration 26 Chronometer.

4.5 Electro-winning cell (small scale)

It is a tool and container used to perform the electro-winning stage, allowing the copper
contained in the aqueous solution to be deposited on the cathodes of the cell, obtaining
solid copper in sheets.

Illustration 27 Electrowinning cell.

4.6 Power generating source (PEF)

It is a technological device that allows supplying and maintaining a potential difference to
an element, in this case it supplies voltage and current intensity to the electrolytic cell so
that the electrolysis process is generated.

21
 Illustration 28 FEM.

4.7 Cathode
Sheet made of 316 stainless steel, which allows the copper in solution to be deposited in
a perimeter.

Illustration 29 Cathode.

4.8 Anode
Sheet made by an alloy of lead and tin necessary to carry out the process of obtaining
copper.

Illustration 30 Anode.

22
4.9 Sandpaper
This material is used to remove the copper deposited on the cathode and eliminate
unwanted materials to develop the experience.

Illustration 31 Lija.

4.10 Insulating shoe

It is used to obtain a surface on the cathode so that the copper can be deposited.

Illustration 32 Isolating shoe.

4.11 Copper-rich solution

Solution with high concentrations of copper and sulfuric acid per liter.

4.12 Higher precision rule

It is a laboratory ruler that allows a more accurate measurement.

Illustration 33 Rule.

23
5 Experimental procedure
In order to carry out this laboratory, a step-by-step approach must be followed, i.e., the
experimental order of the laboratory must be known. It is necessary to take mandatory
safety measures before performing any operation in which we find the personal
protection elements such as: lab coat, gloves and safety shoes.

The experimental procedure of the experiment will be listed and explained below.

1. Disassembly of electrodes (anodes and cathodes).

2. Clean the surface of the electrodes.
3. Sand the surface of the cathodes.
4. Measure on the cathode an area of 25 cm2.
5. Expose this surface and isolate the rest of the cathode.
6. Assemble the anodes and cathodes alternately.
A
7. Feed a cell voltage of 2.2 volts and a current density of 150 2.
m
8. Harvest after 3 hours.

1. Disassembly of electrodes (anodes and cathodes): as the electrolytic cell was

used in a previous process, the electrodes must be disassembled to perform the
electrowinning process.

24
 2. Clean the surface of the electrodes: As the electrowinning cell has been used in
another process, it has deposited copper, which can affect the development of the
experiment.
3. Sanding the cathode surface: To get rid of the copper deposited in the previous
process, sandpaper is used to separate the copper from the cathode, in the same
way the metal parts at the ends of the electrolytic cell are sanded.
4. Measure on the cathode a surface of 25 cm2: With the precision ruler, measure a
square on the cathode faces with a length and width of 5 centimeters.
5. Leave this surface uncovered and isolate the rest of the cathode: The surface of
25 cm2 is left uncovered so that the copper is deposited in this area, to do this the
remaining area of the cathode face is isolated.
6. Assemble the anodes and cathodes alternating them: After cleaning and isolating
the cathode area, the electrodes are incorporated into the electrolytic cell by
placing a cathode and then an anode as close as possible without contact
between the electrodes.On an industrial scale, the cathodes are separated by 5
centimeters, but in this case they are placed as close together as possible to make
the process faster.
A
7. Feed a voltage to the cell of 2.2 volts and a current density of 150 2 : the values
m
to be entered in the FEM must be calculated with the data of 2.2 volts and current
A
density of 150 2.
m
8. Perform cathode harvesting after 3 hours: once the necessary parameters have
been entered, 3 hours are counted, after which time the cathodes are removed
and the copper foil is separated from the cathode surface. This stage is done
every 7 days on an industrial scale, but due to time constraints it is done in 3
hours only for this laboratory.

6 Results
Table 1 Parameters supplied to the cell.

Parameters supplied to the cell Unit

Current intensity 3.75 amps

Table 2 Mass of copper obtained in the experiment.

Copper masses in experience Unit

25
 Theoretical copper mass 13.3 grams of copper
Actual copper mass section 471 12.35 grams of copper
Actual copper mass section 470 20.59 grams of copper

Table 3 Current efficiency results.

Current efficiency Unit

Current efficiency section 471 92,85%
Current efficiency section 470 154,8%

7 Discussion
According to the data obtained, it can be deduced that if there is less concentration of
spent derived from the re-extraction stage the mass of copper deposited is lower, there
was a variation of 2 gpl of copper and 8.24 grams of copper, this occurs because the
spent is an outflow of this stage, then, if there is less copper in the outflow there will be
more copper in the cathodes, the spent flux will increase the concentration of sulfuric acid
because in the cell there is a decomposition of the water that forms more acid.
When performing the experiment, a bubbling occurs inside the electrolytic cell, this is
caused because the oxygen decomposes and comes out in the form of bubbles to the
surface, that is why it causes the smell of acid in the environment, this can cause
damage to equipment and personnel, but generally methods are used so that the
bubbles do not come to the surface.
The lead-calcium-magnesium alloy anode plates were corroded and in poor condition
due to use, which may affect copper production.
The metal side parts were sanded so that no material would affect the flow of electrons
inside the electrolytic cell.
Although the distance between anode and cathode was not recommended, since
industrially a distance of centimeters is used between anode and cathode or 10
centimeters between cathode and cathode, but due to the time available to develop the
experience, the processes were accelerated, adding that the cathode harvest is done in a
time of 7 days and not 3 hours.
During the experiment the temperature and voltage may vary according to the time the
electrolysis is carried out, the longer the time the higher the temperature because this
process is exothermic, that is to say, it releases energy.
When the cathodes are harvested, the voltage supply and electrical intensity decrease,
but are not completely cut off, because there is a barrier of the sheets that allow them not
to corrode with the acid solution, called lead dioxide, the anode tends to protect itself and
therefore last longer.The anode tends to protect itself and therefore lasts longer. If the
current is cut off, the anode may detach and form an anodic sludge.

26
As for the cathode, if there were a perforation in the plate, cathode harvesting would be
impossible, as the copper tends to fill those spaces and the copper foil becomes
embedded, this occurs due to the Chlorine present in the electrolytic cell.
If the cell temperature is lowered, the viscosity of the solution will increase, making the
flow of electrons more complicated and slowing down the process; the opposite will
happen if the pH is modified, if there is a lower pH, the viscosity will increase and slow
down the electrolysis process. This is why these variables must be taken into account for
the process to develop in the best way, a temperature between 30 to 45° Celsius must be
maintained for an optimum process.
The current intensity itself is low compared to conventional cells, because at full scale the
current fluctuates between 150 Amperes, depending on the size of the cathodes and how
many cathodes the electrowinning cell has.
Regarding the current efficiency obtained by the two groups, optimal and more than
optimal percentages were achieved, since an effective value of current efficiency
fluctuates between 92%, so section 471 achieved an optimal calculation of current
supply. As for section 470, the values go beyond the established parameters, since 1.5
times more theoretical copper was obtained.

27
8 Conclusion

Despite the fact that the experience was carried out on a small scale, it can be
demonstrated that the phenomena occur in the same way as in a large-scale process,
and thanks to this it is possible to study more closely what the electro-winning process is.
The results were positive since it was possible to obtain copper in solid and pure state
from the two groups after a short period of time, obtaining different masses of copper,
which was produced by the variation of the output flow of this process called spent. With
a variation of 2 gpl of copper, there was a significant copper difference, it can be deduced
that section 470 performed better in obtaining copper, this can be reflected in the current
efficiency obtained in the results, since it was possible to obtain 1.5 times more real
copper than the theoretical copper calculated.
8.1 Conclusion specific objectives
It was possible to study the electrowinning process in a practical way, making it clear that
the variables in this process seen in classes are fundamental when obtaining copper
cathodes, and that emphasis must be placed on these variables, since the performance
of this process depends on them.
An optimum current intensity was calculated and as a result, 1.5 times more copper was
obtained in sheet form.
It was possible to analyze the variables of voltage and current intensity, it was possible to
appreciate that the amperage calculated in the experience was entered to the FEM and
this equipment alone yields the voltage requested by the teacher.
The theoretical copper mass was determined and yielded a value that was very close to
the results obtained from section 471.
Optimum current efficiency was achieved for section 471, which varies in the range of
92% current efficiency.

28
9 Annexes

9.1 Glossary

 Anode: Sheet made of an alloy of lead and tin necessary to carry out the process
of obtaining copper.
 Progress: Solution from the re-extraction step
 Cathodes: Sheet made of 316 stainless steel, which allows the copper in solution
to be deposited on a perimeter.
 Copper cathodes: 75 kg copper foil, dimensions 1 x 1 meter.
 Commodities: Man-made goods that are valued and found in large quantities in
nature.
 Electrolytic cell: It is a tool and container used to perform the electro-winning
stage, allowing the copper contained in the aqueous solution to be deposited on
the cathodes of the cell to obtain solid copper in sheets.
 Cathode harvesting: This is the final stage of the electrowinning process, which
consists of removing the copper sheets from the cathode within a certain period of
time.
 Current efficiency: it is the efficiency of the current in the electrowinning process.
 Cu: Copper
 Electrolysis: Chemical process by which a substance or a body immersed in a
solution is decomposed by the action of a continuous electric current.
 i= current density
 I= current intensity
 Current intensity: the amount of electric current flowing through a circuit in a
given time.
 Ph= coefficient for classifying the acidity of a solution
 Voltage= Electric potential
 Solution: homogeneous mixture of two or more substances.
9.2 Development of the experience
Calculation of current intensity for the experiment
Where current intensity = i x área del cátodo x Caras de los cátodos de la celda

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 A
Where i =densidad de corriente, 150 2.
m
Cathode area = Area of the cathode that is not insulated, 25 cm 2
Cell cathode faces = 5 cathodes were used, so they contain 2 faces each, 10 faces.
A 2
current intensity = 150 2
x 0,0025 m x 10= 3,75 Amperios
m

Theoretical copper mass calculation

Where Theoretical copper mass =
Peso molecular de la especie x Intensidad de corriente x tiempo de cosecha
Numero de electrones x Constante de faraday
63,5gr
Where Molecular weight of the species = Molecular weight of copper,
mol
Current intensity = 3.75 Amperes
Harvesting time = 3 hours (10800 seconds)
Number of electrons = 2
96500 c
Faraday constant =
eq
63,5gr
mol X 3,75 Amperios x 10800 segundos
Theoretical copper mass = = 13.3 grams of copper
96500 c
2x
eq
Calculation of current efficiency percentage
masa de cobre real
Where % current efficiency = x 100
masa de cobre teórico
Actual copper mass section 471 = 12.35 grams of copper
Mass of real copper section 470= 20.59 grams of copper
12,35 gramos de cobre
Calculation of current efficiency section 471 = x 100=92,85%
13,3 gramos de cobre
20,59 gramos de cobre
Calculation of current efficiency section 470 = x 100=154,8%
13,3 gramos de cobre
9.3 Reactions in the electrowinning process
Formation of copper cathodes
+2 0
Cu + 2e ⇨ Cu
Pittíng (Cathode Corrosion)
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 - 0
2Cl ⇨ Cl +2e
Acid mist
2H2o⇨ 4H+4e+ 02

10 Bibliography
[Percentage of copper exports]. (2017, 3 October). Retrieved 9 December, 2018, from
http://www.cochilco.cl:4040/boletin-web/pages/tabla20/buscar.jsf
[Copper electro-winning]. (2018, December 9). Retrieved 9 December, 2018, from
https://www.codelcoeduca.cl/site/edic/base/port/electroobtencion.html
[How a copper cathode is produced]. (2018, December 9). Retrieved December 9,
2018,https://www.codelco.com/como-se-produce-un-catodo-de-cobre/prontus_codelco/
2015-11-24/122947.html

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